Southern hospitality has been well preserved in Charlotte. Although those looking for an action-packed adventure vacation may have to look elsewhere - the pace here is sedate and the atmosphere relaxed - there is plenty to see and do in this town.
Austin, Texas is locally known as The Live Music Capital of the world. Although this title is ambitious (not mention arguable), there's no doubt that the city offers up a wide array of styles and venues for music-lovers, as well as big serves of artery-hardening Texan fare.
While Washington DC is the capital of the United States, Olympia WA is the Washington state capital and it is well worth a few days spent exploring this historic and yet quirky part of the world. The yearly Procession of the Species is part Mardi Gras, part family-fun carnival and part homage to Darwin, while the stately and sedate historic buildings and museums provide the cultural counterbalance.
Tuscon is one of the major cities that mark the Wild West frontiers of American history. Tourist attractions, even those that are off the beaten path, all revolve around the hot dusty history of cowboys, Indians and the ongoing rivalry between North and South. Even the city's largest 2010 event, The Tuscon Rodeo Parade and Museum focuses on the history of the cowboy and pioneer living.
Ontario is the region of Canada that is home to the country's capital city Ottawa and is the gateway to the natural splendor of the Canadian wilderness and Niagara Falls. But Ontario really has a lot more to offer, than just the falls alone.
Boston is the home of Irish America and proudly shares its roots with visitors. This year's St Patrick's Day Parade is the best chance to share a little of the spirit of the Old Country. Boston is also a strong base of American art and culture, and has more than its share of off-the-beaten-path attractions in which to rub shoulders with the locals.
Richmond is the former capital of the Confederacy. Although the nation is now united, there is still plenty of ways to experience a little of pre-civil war life with memorials and monuments detailing Richmond's history, and plenty of southern hospitality oozing out of jazz clubs. In contrast, the event for 2010 is RavenCon, a fantasy and sci-fi convention guaranteed to bring out the inner geek in any visitor.
If a thrill-a-minute is your idea of a good vacation, then you're in the wrong town. Bismarck, North Dakota is a great place to enjoy the more sedate and wholesome pursuits that the US has to offer. Hiking, swimming, historical snippets of the cowboy era, and dinner on the Riverboat – these are the kinds of leisurely pursuits to be found in North Dakota's State Capital.
Phoenix, Arizona, is the gateway to the wide salty deserts that mark this part of the US. Phoenix itself though is a major metropolis, with steel-and-glass skyscrapers jostling for space with turn-of-the-century architecture and the occasional oddity.
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is an eclectic mix of contradictions. From the deeply historical Civil War and Pennsylvania Dutch to the progressive music, art and industry, Harrisburg is an intriguing blend. Despite the juxtaposition of past, present and future, Harrisburg is an easy place to be.
Southern Simplicity and a Little Funk in Fayetteville, AR
Thursday, 11 March 2010 06:46
While most tourists generally opt to visit the bigger cities within the United States, Fayetteville, Arkansas boasts a unique southern charm. Fayetteville is a relatively small town but still manages to please its visitors with just enough attractions, off-the-beaten path spots and the occasional sporting extravaganza to fill a three-day weekend.
Sacramento, California is the most diverse city in the United States. Here, you can easily hear four different languages, smell the food from five different countries and hear the notes from six different styles of music, all while strolling down one of the boulevards with a famous Sacramento ice-cream in hand.
